The 3" I cobbled together was from the days when there were still wooden
spools, which could be carefully sawn to make 2 mounts for simple 2-element
eyepieces. I think this was probably about 1946 or so. The eyepiece lenses
were from old box cameras (which could probably go today on E-Bay for enough to
buy a Nagler) and negative lenses taken from cheap opera glasses. I have never
had any scope that showed M42 more beautifully. But, then, seeing was much
better in 1946 than now.
Clear, Dark, Steady Skies!
(And considerate neighbors!!!)